The government has tabled the long-awaited National Wages Consultative Council Act to get the nation ready for implementation of the minimum wage policy.

The Bill, tabled for first reading by Human Resources Deputy Minister Maznah Mazlan, seeks to replace the Wages Council Act 1947 and to establish a National Wages Consultative Council (NWCC).

The council will be responsible for carrying out studies on all matters concerning minimum wages and to make recommendations to the government on minimum wage levels according to sector, types of employment and geographical region.

The Bill als azlan o seeks to provide more enforcement powers to make sure employers comply with minimum wages and to protect workers who fall within the minimum wage bracket.

Currently, the Wages Council Act only gives leeway for minimum wage to be adopted if the minister “is of the opinion that no adequate machinery exists for the effective regulation of the remuneration or conditions of employment of the employee”.

Due to difficulties faced in implementing the Wages Council Act, the government mooted the Bill to set up the NWCC, which in turn will “assist the government” in determining minimum wage rates and coverage before making the minimum wage order.

More rights for maids

Maznah also tabled an amendment to the Employment Act 1955 aimed at giving more rights to domestic workers, including foreign workers.

The main purpose is to make it compulsory for wages of employees, including domestic workers, to be banked in to their accounts.

It will also require the registration of information relating to the supply of employees by a contractor for labour; the termination of service of foreign domestic workers; and for foreign employees to be “submitted and to provide for” inquiry into complaints of sexual harassment.